It’s that time of year again; fortunately, free tax preparation assistance is available in Los Altos and Mountain View.
In Los Altos, the Adult 50+ Program has scheduled a free tax return preparation service Monday mornings Feb. 2 through April 13. The Tax-Aide service, sponsored by the AARP Foundation, is the nation’s largest volunteer tax assistance program and Los Altos has hosted a Tax-Aide site since 1997.
Trained, IRS-certified volunteers meet with clients, review their tax forms and records, then prepare and electronically file both federal and California tax returns.
There is no charge for Tax-Aide services. The program focuses on clients with moderate incomes, with a special emphasis on those age 50 and over, but the service is available to every taxpayer who lives in California.
Tax-Aide also can file extensions with the IRS if a taxpayer does not have all needed tax documents before the tax filing deadline.
Clients should bring photo ID, Social Security card or statement, their 2024 tax return, all 2025 tax information and evidence of healthcare coverage if available. Clients should also bring checking account information for direct-deposit refunds or direct-debit of amount due.
This year Tax-Aide will be preparing tax returns at the Los Altos Community Center, 97 Hillview Ave. Appointments for tax services are required. To make an appointment, call the Los Altos Adult 50+ Program at (650) 947-2797 or visit secure.rec1.com/CA/LosAltosRecreation/catalog.
In Mountain View, the free AARP Tax-Aide service is available at the Mountain View Public Library, 1st floor program room, 585 Franklin St., Feb. 3 through April 11. (Note: Tax assistance will not be available on Tuesday, March 31.) This service is open to households with a 2025 income of $69,000 or less.
Clients should bring the following documents: Social Security card or ITIN letter for each person on tax return (required); photo ID for client and spouse, if applicable (required); W-2s from all jobs; all 1099s, 1098s and any other tax forms; Form 1095-A for those who had health insurance through Covered California; records for any business or higher education expenses; savings or checking account and routing numbers for direct deposit; last year’s tax return (optional).
Appointments are not required for the Mountain View Tax-Aide service. On Tuesdays, walk-ins are available from noon to 3 p.m. or capacity. No new tax returns will be started after 3 pm. On Saturdays, walk-ins are available from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. or capacity. No new tax returns will be started after 2 p.m.
For more information on the Mountain View service, call (650) 903-6330 or visit tinyurl.com/MtnViewTaxAide2026.
